$1 Million Gift to LeBow Creates Chapel Leadership Development Program
Drexel Trustee and longtime supporter R. John Chapel Jr. ’67, and his wife, Jinnie, have generously committed $1 million to establish the Chapel Leadership Development Program in the LeBow College of Business.
The Chapel Leadership Development Program will support curriculum innovation, including the incorporation of leadership modules in required courses within the undergraduate business curriculum. The program will also provide training in leading and working in teams and will feature professional development opportunities for students.
“This generous gift will impact every single undergraduate student in LeBow,” said LeBow Interim Dean Vibhas Madan, PhD. “In addition, students who successfully complete the professional development requirements will be recognized as Chapel Leadership Scholars.”
Chapel, a LeBow alumnus, is CEO and owner of White Hall Capital, LLC, a private equity firm he founded to invest in companies working with the US government. In addition to serving on numerous boards, Chapel has held high-profile leadership roles at a number of IT service companies. He is the former CEO and owner of AVIEL Systems, Inc., a $75 million federal IT and management consulting services provider in areas critical to national security, transportation and defense. He was also part-owner of other companies servicing both the private and public sectors.
“Leadership and teamwork are essential skills for success in today’s workforce,” says Chapel. “These skills are vital in all business contexts today, as individuals must be able to both work within and lead cross-functional teams. Jinnie and I are delighted to support LeBow undergraduate students through these curriculum efforts and to bring heightened focus to the leadership and team-building expertise of LeBow faculty.”
The Chapels’ generosity has had a transformative impact on LeBow and Drexel. In 2008, John and Jinnie endowed The R. John Chapel Dean’s Chair at LeBow, making Drexel the second private university in the nation to have an endowed dean’s chair. The couple later established the R. John Chapel Jr. Dean’s Suite on the 12th floor of Gerri C. LeBow Hall. They have also supported other initiatives to benefit scholarships, athletics and Greek life at the University.
In 2009, Chapel was inducted into Drexel’s alumni hall of fame, the Drexel 100, and in 2015, he received the A.J. Drexel Paul Award for Service to Alma Mater.
